Sun Nov 24 16:54:27 UTC 2024: ## Sambhal Jama Masjid Survey Turns Violent: Three Dead, Several Injured in Clashes

**Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh:** A court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, descended into violence on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuries to several others, including police officers. The incident sparked widespread condemnation and accusations of government complicity.

The survey, ordered by a court hearing a case claiming the mosque was built on the site of a demolished Harihar temple, began at 7:30 AM amidst a heavy police presence. However, a large crowd gathered outside the mosque, and soon clashes erupted between protestors and police. The protestors pelted stones at police, set fire to police vehicles and several private cars, and damaged numerous homes in the vicinity. Police responded with tear gas.

The Sambhal Superintendent of Police confirmed the deaths of at least two individuals, though the exact cause of death is yet to be determined pending post-mortem examinations. Fifteen people have been detained. The Commissioner of Moradabad, Anjaney Kumar, stated that action would be taken against those found guilty and that those involved in the violence, irrespective of their religious affiliation, would face the consequences. He maintained that the survey was conducted with the Imam’s consent.

Following the violence, the Sub-District Magistrate issued a notice warning against further unrest, banning the sale of bricks and gravel in Sambhal, and threatening strict action against anyone found possessing stones, soda bottles, or flammable/explosive materials on their property. The municipal corporation was also instructed to remove any construction materials from the streets.

The incident has triggered a political firestorm. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav accused the state government of deliberately instigating the violence to divert attention from election-related issues. A Hindu advocate, Vishnu Shankar Jain, expressed concerns about evidence being destroyed at the mosque and called for immediate Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) intervention. Similarly, BJP MLA Sangit Som made controversial remarks about Muslim clerics. Conversely, All India Muslim Jamaat national president Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi appealed for calm and urged Muslims to maintain peace.

While authorities claim the situation is under control, reports of further stone-pelting incidents persist. Reinforcements from neighboring districts have been deployed to maintain order. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak criticized Akhilesh Yadav for his stance on the event. Police continue their investigation and arrests. The incident has raised serious concerns about communal harmony in the region.

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